chainsaw husqvarna 455 rancher manual

The Husqvarna 455 Rancher is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding tasks on farms, ranches, and for serious property maintenance. It features a powerful X-Torq engine for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, an inertia-activated chain brake for safety, LowVib anti-vibration system, combined choke/stop control, and an air injection system for longer engine life. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: X-Torq engine, Inertia-activated chain brake, LowVib system, Combined choke/stop control, Air Injection, Quick-release air filter, Side-mounted chain tensioner, and Smart Start system.

Safety Information

Read and understand all instructions before operation. Always wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

1. PPE Required: Safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of obstacles and bystanders. Ensure secure footing.
3. Fuel Safety: Refuel in a well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Use fuel mix as specified.
4. Kickback Zone: Be aware of the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip. Do not cut with this area.

WARNING! A chainsaw is a dangerous tool. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Never operate when tired or under the influence.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble on a clean, stable surface.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on mounting studs. Loop chain onto sprocket and over bar, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top. Install clutch cover and tighten nuts. Adjust chain tension.
2. Fill with Fuel & Oil: Use fresh, high-quality 2-stroke engine oil mixed with unleaded gasoline at a 50:1 ratio (2%). Fill the chain oil tank with Husqvarna chain oil or equivalent.
3. Check Chain Brake: Pull the front hand guard towards the front handle to engage the brake. It should click into place. Push the guard back to disengage.

CAUTION! Ensure the chain is properly tensioned and moves freely before starting. A loose chain can derail; an overtightened chain can damage the saw.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 55.5 cm³ (3.4 cu. in.)
• Power Output: 3.5 hp
• Fuel Tank Volume: 0.55 US qt (0.52 liter)
• Oil Tank Volume: 0.42 US qt (0.4 liter)
• Recommended Bar Lengths: 16", 18", 20"
• Chain Pitch: 3/8"
• Chain Gauge: 0.050"
• Weight (excl. cutting equipment): 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg)
• Sound Power Level: 112 dB(A)
• Vibration Levels (Front/Rear Handle): 3.2/2.8 m/s²

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Main Components: Front Handle, Rear Handle, Throttle Trigger, Throttle Trigger Lockout, Stop Switch, Choke/Stop Control, Chain Brake/Front Hand Guard, Decompression Valve (if equipped), Primer Bulb (if equipped), Fuel Cap, Oil Cap, Chain Tensioner, and Spark Plug Cover.

Function of Key Controls: Throttle Trigger Lockout: Must be depressed to allow throttle trigger movement. Chain Brake: Engages manually by pushing the front hand guard forward or automatically by inertia during kickback. Stop Switch: Moves to the "I" position to run, "0" to stop. Choke/Stop Control: Pull out fully for cold start (choke). Push in to the middle position for warm start/half-throttle. Push in fully to stop engine.

Starting & Stopping the Engine

Cold Start:

1. Place saw on flat ground. Engage chain brake.
2. Activate decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Press primer bulb 6-8 times (if equipped).
4. Set choke control to full choke position (pulled out).
5. Hold saw firmly, place foot in rear handle. Pull starter cord until engine fires (usually 3-5 pulls).
6. Set choke control to half-throttle position (pushed in one click).
7. Pull starter cord again until engine starts. Briefly apply throttle to disengage start setting.
8. Disengage chain brake before cutting.

Warm Start: Follow steps 1, 2, then set choke to half-throttle position and pull starter cord.

Stopping: Release throttle. Push the choke/stop control in fully to the stop position ("0").

Basic Operation & Cutting Techniques

Always use a firm grip with both hands. Let the saw do the work; do not force it.

1. Felling (Cutting Down a Tree): Plan escape path. Make notch cut on falling side. Make felling cut from opposite side, leaving a hinge.
2. Limbing (Removing Branches): Stand on left side of trunk. Use the guide bar's bottom for cutting. Support the saw against the trunk or your thigh.
3. Bucking (Cutting Log to Length): Support log off ground. Cut from top down, avoiding contact with dirt. For large logs, cut from top, then finish from bottom to avoid pinching.
4. Kickback Prevention: Maintain a firm grip. Do not cut with the tip/nose of the bar. Be aware of wood tension and release.

WARNING! Never operate the saw above shoulder height or with one hand. Always be prepared for kickback.

Maintenance Schedule

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

A sharp, properly tensioned chain is essential for safety and performance.

1. Tensioning: Loosen nuts on clutch cover. Use side tensioner screw to adjust until drive links just contact bottom of bar rail. Tighten nuts while lifting tip of bar. Re-check tension.
2. Sharpening: Use a round file matching chain pitch (e.g., 7/32" for 3/8" chain). File each cutter at the factory angle (typically 30°). Maintain equal length on all cutters. File depth gauges (rakers) with a flat file and gauge.

Tip: Sharpen chain frequently. A few strokes per cutter is better than heavy filing when very dull.

Storage

Prepare saw for storage if not used for more than 30 days.

1. Drain all fuel from tank and run engine until it stops to empty carburetor.
2. Remove chain, clean it and the guide bar with solvent, and coat with oil.
3. Clean entire saw. Remove spark plug, add a teaspoon of engine oil into cylinder, pull starter cord slowly to distribute, reinstall plug.
4. Store in a dry, secure place, out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Storing with fuel in the carburetor can cause gum deposits and starting problems.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized Husqvarna service dealer.

Support: Husqvarna USA: 1-800-487-5962 or www.husqvarna.com/us